Mustache Cups
A Splendid Invention For Mustache Wearers
If you've ever sported a mustache, you know how easy it is for food and drink to get stuck in it.
Fortunately, an English potter named Harvey Adams invented the mustache cup to keep your well groomed mustache from getting spoiled by your coffee or tea.
A cool mustache cup (aka mustache mug) makes the perfect gift for the mustache wearer in your life. Below you'll find many unique mustache cups and more info.
Image used under Creative Commons from daveyll.
Quick History of Mustache Cups
The mustache cup was invented by an English potter named Harvey Adams in the mid-1800s. It was the Victorian Era and most men sported a mustache at the time.
Many of these mustaches were waxed or dyed. Drinking a hot cup of coffee or tea resulted in melted wax or wet dye to ooze into the drink or down the embarrassed drinker's face.
To solve this problem, Adams invented a ledge that went across the cup and had a semi-circular opening in the middle where it met the edge of the cup. This ledge (also known as a mustache guard) allowed the gentleman to drink his beverage while protecting the well groomed mustache from the liquid.
The mustache cup quickly became a very popular item and spread from England to America.
Image used under Creative Commons from awduthie.
Antique Porcelain Mustache Cups
Most older mustache cups are hand painted with period art work. Many of these feature landscapes, historical events or famous figures. The uniqueness of an antique cup can make it an interesting conversation piece or a surprising gift.
From fine and dainty to heavy and rugged, there's a quality porcelain cup to complement any mustache. Good places where you can find them are in antique shops, yard sales, estate sales and on eBay.
Have You Used A Mustache Cup?
Left Handed Mustache Cups
Because of the ledge, you can only drink from one side of a mustache cup. So a right handed mustache cup is really awkward for lefties. Fortunately, there are some mustache cups made for left handed men.
How Do You Spell It?
Mustache or Moustache?
Mustache Cups From Royal Crown and R.S. Prussia
Royal Crown Derby and R.S. Prussia were two famous porcelain manufacturers that produced mustache cups during the height of their popularity. Royal Crown is still in business today, however R.S. Prussia ended production around the time of World War I.
Credits
The following web articles were very helpful in researching mustache cups. Check them out for more info...
Those Magnificent Mustache Cups by Pauline C. Peck (originally published at www.thegavel.net/mustach.html which is no longer operational)
Mustache Cups vs Shaving Mugs an eBay Guide entry by nibblesm80
Biographical Info on Harvey Adams by Bethesda Methodist Chapel
The Mustache by Evangeline Holland
R.S. Prussia by Pamela Wiggins
Please leave your thoughts on mustache cups and mugs in the comments section below.
